When Someone You Love has Seasonal Depression
Tips For When Someone You Love has Seasonal Depression
It’s winter in the U.S. and the days are getting shorter. Many people find themselves feeling low and lacking energy during the winter, but some people experience full blown depression during the winter months. Does your partner turn into a different person when the weather changes?
If so, your partner could be one of the half a million Americans who suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD. Common symptoms include feeling sad, irritability, sleeping more, gaining weight, and lack of interest in activities usually enjoyed. Many of the same symptoms as major depression, except that the symptoms ease as soon as the weather starts to warm up.
The good news is you don’t have to watch your partner suffer during the winter. Here are some things you can do to help your partner through the dreary winter until spring arrives:
1) Morning sunshine
Winter is hardest first thing in the morning, even for those who do not suffer from SAD. Opening the blinds in the bedroom will flood the room with natural light first thing in the morning. There are also lights that act as alarms and they slowly brighten the room at the time you designate.
2) Routine
Your partner may be getting the urge to just hibernate through the darkest part of winter, but this will only make the depression worse. Sticking to a routine will help your partner feel better. Encourage your partner to keep getting together with friends and continue hobbies, anything but stay in bed.
3) Exercise
Working out triggers the brain to release endorphins that encourage the body to push through discomfort. Encourage your partner by working out together. You’ll both feel better for it. (Make sure you check with your doctor to make sure the exercise you choose is right for you and any medical conditions you may have).
4) Get outside
It’s the last thing either of you will want to do when it’s cold, especially first thing in the morning, but dressing warmly and going for an early morning walk together will help you both take advantage of early morning sunshine and exercise to get the day started right.
5) Light box
Do you see more clouds than sun in your area? Try getting your partner in front of a light box. Research suggests that about half of SAD sufferers may benefit from a light box, often in just a few days of consistent use.
6) Diet
Sugar doesn’t just pack on pounds and raise your risk of diabetes, it can also influence your mental health. Sugar can increase anxiety and impair your ability to manage stress. If your partner is craving the quick energy boost offered by sugary treats, suggest they read this article. A nutritious meal with protein and fiber will be much better for their seasonal depression than sugar, but often it is hard to tell your partner how to eat without them getting frustrated.
7) New hobbies
Just because it’s too cold to hang out on the beach or go camping doesn’t mean you can’t have fun. Look for new activities to enjoy while it’s cold. Encourage your partner to take up ice skating, a new fitness class, or experiment in the kitchen.
8) Relax
Yoga and meditation have both been shown to help ease symptoms of depression and some research suggest mindfulness exercises can even change the brain’s wiring to decrease stress.
9) Travel
Taking a break and getting a change of scenery is good for anyone, but those with seasonal depression will especially benefit from heading to a sunny destination.
10) Therapy
If the above strategies aren’t helping, or if your partner is resistant, therapy may be in order.
If you would like to find a therapist in Long Beach that can help you and your partner get through these rough winter months, contact us at 562-310-9741.